Tourists are drawn to big cities because of their sense of endless adventure. Dining, shopping, festivals, museums, tours—there is no shortage of activities or entertainment. However, small towns have just as much to offer. Looking to hike, bike, or sight-see? Or relax in peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of a thriving metropolis? Here are 15 of the coolest, small towns in America that are just as enticing as their big city counterparts.
Saranac Lake, New York
A small village in upstate New York with a population under six thousand, Saranac Lake has an interesting history. In the late 19th century, tens of thousands of people visited to seek treatment for tuberculosis. Many homes, or “cure cottages,” were erected, and many of them still stand and are listed in its historic registry. The town’s attractions include the Victorian mansions of the Helen Hill Historic District, the Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage, and the Saranac Laboratory Museum for tuberculosis research. There is also a colorful Adirondack Carousel that a resident crafted in the early 2000s.
Milford, Pennsylvania
Located 70 miles from New York City, Milford has a population under 2,000. One of the town’s attractions is its beautiful Victorian homes. The town also hosts many festivals, such as the Milford Music Festival, Winter Lights Festival, Black Bear Film Festival, and Festival of Wood. The nearby 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is perfect for mountain biking, hiking, or swimming in the waterfalls.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Nestled in the Ozarks, Mountain View is known as the “Folk Music Capital of the World.” Since the 1960s, the town has hosted the Arkansas Folk Festival, and whenever the weather permits, musicians can be found jamming in the town square. Also, check out the Ozark Folk Center, a living history state park dedicated to preserving Ozark’s cultural heritage and tradition.
Mountain View, Arkansas
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Nestled in the Ozarks, Mountain View is known as the “Folk Music Capital of the World.” Since the 1960s, the town has hosted the Arkansas Folk Festival, and whenever the weather permits, musicians jam in the town square. Also, check out the Ozark Folk Center, a living history state park dedicated to preserving Ozark’s cultural heritage and tradition.
Marfa, Texas
This artsy town in West Texas became an unlikely hub for contemporary art. In the 1970s, Donald Judd, a minimalist artist from New York, moved his operations to Marfa. He inhabited two large hangars, where some of his grand-scale works were permanently installed. The Chinati Foundation and Judd Foundation have preserved his works along with those of other artists.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
This coastal town has a population of less than two thousand. Its most prominent attraction is Haystack Rock, a monolithic rock that juts out along the coast. National Geographic has listed it as “one of the world’s 100 most beautiful places.” The city hosts a plethora of galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and lodgings that overlook the breathtaking view.
Friday Harbor, Washington
This seaside town is the major commercial center of the San Juan Islands archipelago, and the only way to get there is by ferry. The US negotiated with Britain for the territory following what was known as the Pig War, a confrontation sparked by the shooting of a pig. Today, the area boasts amazing wildlife and numerous hiking trails. Kayaking, foraging, and tide pooling are other popular activities.
Philipsburg, Montana
Situated halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, the mining town of Philipsburg is ripe with adventure—snowmobiling, fishing, hiking, and skiing. About 120 years ago, the area was treasured for its Montana sapphires, which are still mined today. The other exciting attraction is its several ghost towns. It’s also home to Montana’s oldest operating theater.
Glens Falls, New York
In 1944, Look magazine named Glens Falls “Hometown U.S.A.” During World War II, the town was decorated with American flags, bows, and signage supporting our troops. Photographs of the city became an idealistic vision of American pride and nationalism. Today, tourists flock to the small town for its many festivals, galleries, and theatre. The location’s history—Glens Falls hosted several battles during the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War—should also pique any history buff’s attention.
McCarthy, Alaska
Home to a meager 100 residents, McCarthy is a hidden gem off-the-beaten path. The drive from Anchorage passes through Alaskan mountains, forests, and wildlife—a scenic journey worthy of a thousand postcards. Once a mining town, McCarthy is also home to a community that follows eco-friendly living practices. Its residents regularly compost and tend to their gardens during the season. Here, you will find great hiking and rafting. Be sure to visit the glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Indianola, Mississippi
Located in the Mississippi Delta region, Indianola has a rich history. At the turn of the 19th century, racial tension intensified after the town appointed the first black female postmaster in the United States. Pressure and the threat of violence led to her resignation; however, President Theodore Roosevelt blocked the resignation and stood by her side. Indianola was also home to notable blues musicians, including Albert King and B.B. King. The town’s main attractions are the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center.
Moab, Utah
Moab, a small college town south of the Colorado River, is a magnet for outdoor adventurers. The nearby sandstone arches and Canyonlands National Parks attract tourists year-round. Surrounded by red rocks, the area boasts the most astonishing views in the southwest. Mountain bikers also come to ride on Slickrock Trail, while off-roaders come for the annual Moab Jeep Safari.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is located in the north-central region of New Mexico, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The town is known for its pueblos, block-like structures made from brownish-reddish adobe. Built by Puebloan Native Americans, the buildings are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Almost 2,000 Taos Puebloans still call them home.
Mackinac Island Village, Michigan
The island’s name comes from the Native American tribes, Ottawa and Ojibwe, who originally inhabited the land. They called it “Michilimackina” because the landmass resembled a “great Turtle.” In the 17th century, the British converted the trading post to a fort, where two battles were fought during the War of 1812. More than 80% of the island is a state park, and the entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
Nevada City, California
Nevada City became the state’s most important mining town during the Gold Rush. Remnants of its history are well-preserved at the Miners Foundry Cultural Center. Nestled within a basin in the Sierra Nevada, Nevada City is the gateway to Tahoe National Forest, which welcomes outdoor recreation like hiking, camping, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, and gold panning. Jump into a time machine and take a stroll down historic Broad Street.
